West Shore Parks and Recreation’s already sizable after-school program is getting a boost this fall in the wake of heavy wait lists.
After School Trekkers will give kids from Kindergarten to Grade 5 a chance to have fun and stay active at the society’s new facility at Royal Bay secondary.
The program, as with all of the society’s after school programming, strives to “allow children to experience different things … not just being in one space,” said Lisa Lehive, recreation program assistant.
On Wednesdays, program participants take field trips, while Fridays are reserved for swimming, she added.
The program also aims to provide a safe space for children at all developmental stages.
“We really do pride ourselves on providing an inclusive program. We’re well known for that, so we do have children with different abilities come into our program who need inclusion workers,” said Lehive.
Transportation is provided from Happy Valley, Colwood, Wishart and Sangster elementary schools.
Having the Royal Bay facility has allowed WSPR to become involved in new areas of the community, expanding away from its main hub at the Juan de Fuca recreation centre.
“We’re getting really involved (and) bringing recreation to the rest of our community,” Lehive said.
There is still space available in the Trekkers program and registration is being taken for the fall. For program information and details on summer day camps, visit westshorerecreation.ca or pick up a copy of the spring and summer activity guide at the Juan de Fuca recreation centre or the Gazette office, 205-774 Goldstream Ave.
joel.tansey@goldstreamgazette.com
Twitter: @joelgazette